As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant in the United States is $104,856 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $117,014 | $9,751 | $2,250 | $56 |
| Average | $104,856 | $8,738 | $2,016 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,797 | $7,983 | $1,842 | $46 |
A Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant | $101,881 |
| Intermediate Level Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant | $102,557 |
| Senior Level Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant | $105,763 |
| Specialist Level Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant | $110,844 |
| Expert Level Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant | $111,207 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 5.51% |
| Nursing Practice | 2.87% |
| Patient Safety | 1.54% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Written Communication | $113,244 | |
| Time Management | $112,196 | |
| Confidentiality | $109,050 |
Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $111,223. While startup companies pay approximate $94,778.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $94,778 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $100,051 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $107,586 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $111,223 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant with a Bachelor's Degree is between $105,301 and $111,370.
| Typical Education for Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 8.9% |
| High School | 8.9% |
| Associates | 44.3% |
| Bachelors | 40.5% |
| Masters | 5.1% |
| Doctorate | 1.3% |
Understanding how a Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $117,014 | $9,751 | $2,250 | $56 |
| Average | $104,856 | $8,738 | $2,016 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,797 | $7,983 | $1,842 | $46 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity Services Director | $161,998 | 54% |
| Head of Intensive Care Unit | $154,113 | 47% |
| Staff Nurse - RN I | $73,601 | -30% |
| Transplant Nurse Coordinator | $110,094 | 5% |
Salaries for a Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $209,336 in 2023 to around $203,607 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $209,336 |
| 2024 | $211,584 |
| 2025 | $203,607 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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A Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant is $132,255.
The highest pay for Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant is $128,083.
The lowest pay for Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant is $87,549.
Provides direct patient care to surgical patients. Directly assists the surgeon during surgical procedures by assisting with incisions, tissue retraction, suturing, and other surgical tasks. Administers medications and IV treatments, as necessary. Applies dressings or drains surgical sites. Participates in discharge planning. Counsels patients and caregivers on appropriate post-operative care. Requires a bachelor's degree in nursing. Requires Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR). Requires Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA). Typically reports to a manager. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Staff Nurse - RN - Surgical First Assistant roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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